148. Telegram 186578 From the Department of
State to the Embassy in Pakistan,
October 12, 1971, 1837Z12

REF:

Subject:

NOTE; Secretary signed following cable on September 29 before departing
for New York. Regret delay in despatch.

FOR AMBASSADOR FROM THE SECRETARY

1.

We much appreciate the evaluation you have given US in reftel of extent to which our strategy in Pakistan has
produced results in specific actions by GOP to date directed at political settlement. No one
can appreciate better than you and your colleagues on the spot in
Pakistan the complexity of our current Pakistan relationship and the
difficulty of moving GOP toward
effective actions in the political domain. We concur in your view
that the record to date suggests that our strategy has [Page 2]moved situation a good way from
the grim days in March, granted also that only a beginning has been
made in the key task of getting GOP
actions that will contribute to reducing violence and getting
started on political settlement. In this connection we have noted
with much interest that Yahya did not react adversely in your most recent
conversation with him on Mujib to your references to potential that
Mujib offers as "trump card" for political settlement. We have also
noted recent Pak press speculation
on possible leniency in Mujib case. As we see it, the way Yahya handles Mujib is clearly key
both to current psychological atmosphere and to substantive progress
toward political settlement and we hope you can continue find ways
get this across.

2.

Your review of specific USG
efforts and GOP actions particularly
timely because of upcoming Congressional hearings in which we have
important task of making sure record is fully clear and understood
on these points. [Page 3]This
includes Kennedy Subcommittee
sessions scheduled October 4.

3.

We would add two items to list you have compiled and that is your
own imaginative and resourceful initiatives in number of areas,
including handling of Mujib and treatment of Hindus and successful
way in which you have preserved an atmosphere of personal confidence
and frankness with President Yahya and his top associates. We appreciate how
difficult this is in context of constant suggestions and advice we
are directing at GOP in an area
which they naturally regard as a matter of primarily internal GOP concern and we want you to know how
much we appreciate this. You have earned the brief leave and medical
checkup you are about to take. Enjoy your leave.

Secretary of State Rogers commended Ambassador
Farland on his assessment
of the developing crisis in Pakistan. Rogers suggested that Farland continue to stress to Pakistani President
Yahya the importance of
dealing leniently with MUJIB.↩